Biodiesel scores big in California"s Low Carbon Fuels Standard

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 30, 2015 - After more than seven years of research and analysis to qualify the environmental footprint of biofuels, the California Air Resources Board finally released its final Low Carbon Fuels Standard (LCFS) and biodiesel supporters cheered the news.

The new standard confirms that biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent and often by as much as 81 percent versus petroleum, giving biodiesel the best carbon score among liquid fuels.

“Biodiesel is the most sustainable fuel on the planet,” said Don Scott, National Biodiesel Board director of sustainability. “Low carbon alternatives can also be low cost alternatives when we use diverse supplies of renewable resources. This validates that California’s carbon reduction goals are obtainable.”

“California’s analysis, which has been validated by independent academic review, provides confidence that biodiesel is, without question, a more sustainable alternative for transportation fuel. The commercial success of the growing biodiesel industry suggests goals to further reduce greenhouse gases and displace imported petroleum are appropriate and achievable. With a focus on carbon reduction and the national policy to support it, biodiesel could reduce carbon emission by 40 million tons annually,” said Scott.

During a conference call entitled “Biodiesel's Impact in the Newly Adopted California LCFS” last week, Agri-Pulse asked “What is the practical impact of this determination for farmers?” Scott said that as farmers are feeding commodities into the chain, by stimulating demand, there will be an opportunity to increase yields and prices, thereby increasing the value of their crops.

“The LCFS encourages creative response for additional feedstocks. For example, a second biodiesel crop can be planted in an orchard during winter, such as oilseeds, which grow in winter. We can do more to use agriculture more efficiently. … We can see more feedstock produced by land we already have,” said Scott.

This week’s guest on Open Mic is Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. The renewable fuels industry is encouraged by a White House pledge to sell E-15 year round, but is concerned about the final outcome of the Trump administration’s discussions on the Renewable Fuel Standard. Skor suggests some possible conclusions might immediately lower corn prices and threaten thousands of renewable energy jobs. She is also concerned about hardship waivers granted by the EPA and has doubts about Administrator Pruitt’s commitment to fulfilling President Trump’s pledge to support renewable energy.

The farm bill suffered a familiar and disappointing fate on the House floor this week, going down in a 198-213 vote. Agri-Pulse's Phil Brasher and Spencer Chase talk about what happened and what's next.

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